Page 24 - BusinessWest April 4, 2022

problem.”
Overall, trying to police those players who
ignore the large signs informing them that coolers are prohibited is just one of many challenges fac- ing course owners and operators as the new sea- son begins, and probably one of the minor ones.
The list of bigger concerns starts with work- force matters. Indeed, while Burak said he has had relatively good luck on that front, securing
an adequate supply of workers for the course, the kitchen, and the ballroom in 2021, Menachem noted that most course operators were not as for- tunate. And the forecast for 2022 is for more of the same.
“Titleist is saying that by mid- summer, they could be running out of golf balls.”
“It’s a challenge, not only in our industry, but in many others in service, to support operations and fill out your staff for what’s needed to support a consistent and solid operation,” he told Busi- nessWest, adding that the challenges are not just with jobs at the lower end of the wage scale.
“We’re learning and hearing that clubs are struggling to fill assistant superintendent or assistant professional jobs,” he went on. “There’s many reasons for that, and I think the pandemic exposed it and in some ways expedited it. The days of the golf professional working seven days a week and being obligated and tied to the facility ... that’s starting to change. Lifestyle, family activi-
ties, balance, quality of life, all that is really top of mind, and it’s something our industry has to be cognizant of.”
Beyond these changes, courses have to con- tend with a shortage of workers and immense competition for candidates who have no shortage of options.
“You might drive down the road and see a cou- ple of restaurants or stores posting jobs for $18, $20, or even $25 an hour, and that’s competition to our facilities,” said Menachem. “The minimum wage, or the $15-an-hour rate to maintain a golf course and help serve on the maintenance crew, is probably a thing of the past.”
Attilo Cardaropoli says course owners and managers face a number of challenges, including long waits for new equipment and parts for everything from golf carts to refrigerators.
Fontaine concurred, speaking for nearly all course owners and managers when he said recruiting and retaining good help was a formi- dable, and expensive, challenge in 2021. But as he surveys the scene, he is seeing a somewhat improved hiring landscape for 2022, with the big issue being the price that will have to be paid for that help.
Attilio Cardaropoli, owner of Twin Hills Coun- try Club in Longmeadow, a private club, agreed.
“Last year was a nightmare — we couldn’t find anybody to work,” he told BusinessWest. “Things are somewhat better this year, and we’re hoping it gets better still as the summer comes along with
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24 APRIL 4, 2022
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